Question 1

When is the Festival?

Accepted Answer

The second and third weekends in October. The dates for the 2026 festival are: October 10th & 11th and 17th & 18th

Question 2

What is the Georgia Apple Festival?

Accepted Answer

For 55 fun-filled years, the Georgia Apple Festival has brought two exciting weekends in October to Gilmer County. Ellijay and East Ellijay hosts hundreds of vendors with handmade, hand-crafted items, on-site demonstrations, live music, and delicious fair food.

The festival is named after the ripening apples that you can find all over the area at local orchards. Despite its growth from a small arts & crafts show to the four-day event that it has become today, the Georgia Apple Festival continues to be a big show with a small-town feel.

Question 3

What are the Festival hours?

Accepted Answer

Saturday 9am-6pm  and Sunday 9am-5pm

Question 4

How much does it cost to get in?

Accepted Answer

Admission to the Georgia Apple Festival is $10 per person and children 12 and under are free.

Question 5

Is this an outdoor festival?

Accepted Answer

It is an outdoor event, taking place at the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds.

Question 6

What happens if it rains?

Accepted Answer

The Georgia Apple Festival is a rain or shine event.

Question 7

Do you allow pets?

Accepted Answer

While we love our furry friends, pets are not allowed at the festival. Service animals are allowed. If you have a service animal, please drop off at the gate and then go and park. Animals are not allowed on our buses due to school policy.

However, the Apple Arts festival in downtown Ellijay is pet friendly and runs the same days and times.

Question 8

Do you rent wheelchairs or motorized scooters?

Accepted Answer

Sadly, this is not something that we offer at this time.

Question 9

Is there handicap parking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it is on a first come - first serve basis.

Question 10

How do I apply to be a vendor at the Festival?

Accepted Answer

Applications for the 2026 festival will be available in January and must be submitted by March 31st to be considered in the first round of jurying. We do maintain a waiting list of approved vendors, however that list is usually quite long. Past acceptance DOES NOT guarantee approval. Vendors will be notified of status beginning in May.

Question 11

What types of items do you accept?

Accepted Answer

All items must handmade, handcrafted, or grown by the artist and the artist must be on-site during the festival. Items not created by the artist, or not in the approved category may not be shown. The resale of wholesale items, multi-level marketing items, obscene or offensive items, or items portraying illegal drug use IS NOT permitted.

Question 12

How much does a booth space cost?

Accepted Answer

The fees for a single craft booth space is $300 for a single weekend and $500 for both weekends. Fees for concession vendors are based on space and power requirements. Application fee is $25. Additional fees for electricity may apply.

Question 13

How big are the booth spaces?

Accepted Answer

The spaces outdoors are 15x15, the spaces inside the open pavilion are 12x12, and the spaces inside are 7x10

Frequently asked questions